今天為了找手皂資料, 看到 meet up 這個網站。 它是給有志一同者聚集的社區公告欄 :
http://soapmaking.meetup.com/members/us/az/tucson/
下面是在"thedishforum.com" Cashed 上找到的2004庫存網頁。 存檔資料做參考用: （我跟 the dish forum 登錄我的帳號後, 馬上發現帳號被盜。 從我的通訊錄以我的名義同時發出釣魚信件。 下次要登錄比較少用的帳號了 )
|
post Jul 30 2004, 09:55 PM
|
|
would you charge per class? I'm thinking of hanging up flyers for soapmaking classes so I can bring in some $$ to pay off bills and some people. But anyway, I was thinking of covering basics, safety, materials, oils and types of soapmaking - CP, HP & RTOP. How many people would you have in one class? How long would you have the course for?
|
|
|
|
|
|
post Jul 30 2004, 10:21 PM
|
|
|
I think that's a great idea. I took a soapmaking class at the community college once, it was $35.00 and about 10 people in the class. SDF does classes here in Tucson but they charge more like $50.00 I think. Not sure how many people they let in, but keep small and just offer more classes if you get enough intrest. And let them watch you make soap, that was the best part for me. I knew how to do it but I was afraid of lye until I saw a live demo.
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
|
post Jul 30 2004, 10:26 PM
|
|
What a fantastic idea! :D
I know the community centers around here have all sorts of classes.
I'm sure they have them in New Orleans too. Might get some ideas from them also. You might be able to hold them there also.
Wish I could help more, but I'm sure others will know the answers that you are looking for.
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Jul 30 2004, 10:31 PM
|
|
WELL, I called the community college about it. However, have to do an application and have committe vote on it for next semester (2005, spring). I need to give them now. I was thinking of $50 per person 2 week course which will cover the basics (safety, ingredients, cp, hp and rtop). Maybe meet 2 times a week. Monday and Wednesdays or Monday and Saturdays.
Hopefully, I can limit to 10 people per class. In a way I feel like I'd be selling out, but I mean hey not many people teaching that down here and it is a major part of southern creole and cajun culture.
Now that I think about it maybe I'll do just cp and hp. RTOP can be another class at an extra cost. :wink:
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Jul 31 2004, 07:21 AM
|
|
Sheika... I think that's too cheap. At least charge $50.00 per type (CP, HP...) I charge $65.00 per class for small groups (no more than 12) for a 2 hour class. It's hands-on, they make it and take it home. I provide all materials.
I charge much more for a private lesson. There are places in Connecticut that charge more than double what I do... but they're not in MY section of the state!
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Jul 31 2004, 07:33 AM
|
|
ok so $50 per type of soapmaking method. Ok, I can do that :D
kinda like beginner, and intermediate and so on. Ok, well I'll redo the flyer.
Now supplies you provide are what, oils, lye, fragrance? What size batch do they make? I was thinking a good 2-3 lb batch of soap would be good.
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Jul 31 2004, 07:54 AM
|
|
i would go 50-75 for one time class. i would provide materials and then take your luscious stuff for sale!
xxx
|
|
|
|
| sheika |
post Jul 31 2004, 08:08 AM
|
forum guru
******
|
oh decisions, decisions. :roll:
Now the customer or students I am aiming for are those wealthy lil housewives who have loads of free time on their hands because they have a nanny and a cook.
Another thought I am thinking of is how cool would it be to be a personal chef type soaper? Like the chefs come over and cook to the customer's specifications and choices. What if a soaper could promote "personalized custom soap"? Made right before their eyes with their choices of herbs, eo's, or fragrances, etc... And best part is, it can cure in their home and not yours! Meaning much more space for your other soaps. Anybody try that?
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Jul 31 2004, 12:16 PM
|
|
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Aug 1 2004, 08:37 AM
|
|
well, I went ahead and made flyers. Gonna charge $50 for the class, 2 weeks, 2 classes per week. More like an hour each class. 1st class to cover safety, ingredients, etc.. 2 nd class, I'll most likely let them watch me make some and 3 and 4th class they can make their own soaps. One castile recipe and one mixed oils recipe. The thing is that down here, home of the lagniappe, people kinda like a lotta substance. Any other classes for soapmaking methods they wanna learn will be extra. So now I need to hang up some flyers at the coffee houses, library, grocery store, wherever I can.
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Aug 1 2004, 08:54 AM
|
|
I followed Wintergreen's suggestions and was successful. People here think that $50 for a 2-hour class is way cheap. So my next student had to pay $75. She didn't balk. This was one-on-one in my home, and she was a neighbour.
Be careful though, find out if you get all the class money. I approached the community college and was told I can teach soapmaking there, using their facilities BUT: they collect and keep all the fees, I get $30 per hour, doesn't matter how many students.
For my one-on-one lessons, I'm thinking of asking $150. The customer will go home with 2 pounds of custom soap, mixed to their specs.
Good luck!
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Aug 1 2004, 09:27 AM
|
|
Make sure that you have your students sign a form stating that they will not hold you liable for injuries!!!!
A simple statement before you break out that lye, saying that they realize the hazards working with caustic materials, and all and get it signed and dated and filed away to cover your butt should they splatter some on themselves.
JMHO
Nora
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Aug 1 2004, 11:44 AM
|
|
sheika, remember to have fun! I am positive your passion will be enthusiastic.
I just had a strange experience with someone who took a course on 'body products from scratch' and didn't want to hijack your thread. She paid 150.00 to basically add stuff to already bought products.
So, I think you actually showing the true and proper way to make soap is worth whatever you are charging.
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Aug 1 2004, 11:55 AM
|
|
Sheika, I think you should charge more for sure...and HERE in my area the community ed people keep like 40% of your fee....so try to negotiate some type of "$X per person PLUS $X materials fee" per person. You will come out more ahead that way. The materials fee you keep all for yourself, and the class fee you have to split with community ed.
I think cover just one type of soap making, and them making a 2# batch each to take home is plenty. Are you going to have a basic handout? Or just make them take notes? And the liability statement is a great idea as well.
(Sorry if you have to tweak your flyer some more, but it will be well worth it in the long run!)
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Aug 1 2004, 12:23 PM
|
|
Well, for this first time I'l charge $50, don't mean it's gonna stay that price :wink: If ther's a lot of demand, of course then that means the price has to go up right? Simple supply and demand principle.
Thanks for that idea about the release waiver.
So far I haven't filled out the community college paperwork because 1) I'm trying to relocate to Tx and may have a job there by the time the spring semester starts in Jan. of 2005. 2) I would like to do this couse to raise money to pay bills, some who are owed refunds and to raise money for moving expenses in the event we find employment in TX.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
xxx
|
|
|
|
| Jim Adlhoch |
post Aug 1 2004, 01:15 PM
|
regular
**
Posts: 80
Joined: 11-July 04
From: West Hills, CA
|
I have taught many classes in my home -- no more than three people (my kitchen isn't THAT large!). I have charged $75 each for 3 hours, or $150 for one on one that is 2 hours. Having several people slows the class down, so we cover the same amount in each class.
They go home with a 1-2 pound soap log that I have made the day before. I taught a neighbor once and she dropped a fresh 5# batch on the sidewalk -- that was a mess to clean up. Since then I send them home with solid soap!
My continued money comes in for those who continue to make soap by selling supplies. 18 oz of Red Devil lye is about $4.50 at the store -- the same amount (since I buy in bulk) is about 80 cents. I charge them $2.75 and they're happy. Besides, there is always soap banter when they come to pick it up, so it's a deal, and they're good folks!
The holds true with oils. Most don't want large pails of coconut or palm sitting around, so I charge 3 times my own cost (in their container) which is still significantly less than what they can get it for on their own.
Fragrance and essential oils, well... They know of the most common ones, BB, SC, etc. but there are some that are kept for them to find on their own. I value the time I spent in searching out vendors and suppliers.
My own recipes for production soap are my own, but there are SO many resources out there (I recommend that they inhale and consume Kathy Miller's site millersoap.com)
The one really interesting side effect has come from a soaper whom I taught locally (she's a neighbor). We did the usual soap class, she wanted a home business to augment their family income. I should have known when she asked about what the cheapest oil is to buy. Turns out she wanted to buy the cheapest oils and charge the most. I told her that folks would buy her soap ONCE and probably not again. Besides 100% soybean oil (cheapest) doesn't make the nicest of soaps in my experience!
If you want to make rich soap, you have to put in some rich oils.
She went all out, hubby bought bulk containers of oils and LOTS of FOs -- they chose Brambleberry.
Two months later, one batch made (she actually did soap 100% soybean, leaving the olive, coconut, palm, etc. unopened). Hubby wanted all that "crap" out of the garage and deposited EVERYthing in MY garage.
The interesting thing is, that has happened three more times. I offer to buy the base oils from them, but the husband's are more relieved to get that stuff out of the garage!
After the first time, in all my classes since, I show and tell them about how much work it can be to make this a business! Some want to get rich quick for no real effort. Considering the number of folks I've taught, these few represent about 2%. I also emphasize that this is NOT my main source of income, but an artistic and creative side industry.
OH, one thing before I forget! When doing CP classes, don't let the students do it themselves, especially when it comes to lye. When I go over safety, how important it is to have the jug of vinegar handy to assist after a lye spill, how noxious the fumes will be after adding the lye to the water, staying upwind or putting it under the exhaust, invariably, there will be one of the Clan Stupid who doesn't believe you.
One summer afternoon class, I was mixing the lye outside, going over my lye safety piece, you know, standing upwind, etc. Well, I turned my back and around to see one of the unbelievers with their nose over the steaming lye sniffing DEEPLY. She nearly coughed up a lung. I asked "What part of DON'T breathe in the fumes!" was hard to understand? I refunded her money, gave her a bar of soap, and bid her adieu.
If there is going to be a spill, an accident, ANYthing untoward "I" want to be the one to do it to "ME" not a student.
Despite the bozo stuff that can happen, I am in seventh heaven when I'm teaching. Students have become good clients, only one has gone on to make soap on her own (gives me a bit of competition, but that's cool too!). Nearly all contact me around the holidays for soap gifts to purchase. I have a blast!
I am grateful to those who shared their talent with me as a neophyte years ago -- they didn't go out of business because I now make soap, and they will always have a special place of honor in my own life!
Good luck -- go forth and EDUCATE! :-)
Blessings,
Jim Adlhoch
West Hills, CA
Wild Soapworks
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Aug 1 2004, 01:33 PM
|
|
Jim.....snort....snort.....
"Clan Stupid"......oh MY!!!! Yes!!! I have met those people!!!!!
Thanks for sharing!
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Aug 1 2004, 03:14 PM
|
|
I was just wondering about insurance for the class participants. If someone were to get hurt on private property it would probably go on the home owners insurance?
Might be something to look into since one splash of lye or raw soap could freak out the uninitiated. Its true you can get a waiver signed, but Id consult a lawyer first on whether it would easily hold up in court.
Good luck, I hope it all works out great.
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Aug 1 2004, 05:16 PM
|
|
If it were to be a hands on class would you supply the goggles, aprons, gloves etc...
jen
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Aug 1 2004, 05:43 PM
|
|
I would charge a set amount for the base oils and a choice of a lower priced (but still good quality) fo.. Let them upgrade to pricier eo's and cool additives for a price.
You can discuss the benefits of different ingredients in the beginning and bring the extras, conveniently portioned out to the batch size, to the class when they actually make soap. More $ for you and cool options for them to personalize their soaps.
Angela
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Aug 1 2004, 07:34 PM
|
|
Have you thought about looking into a community arts center instead of community college/adult ed? There may be more flexibility with scheduling and fees.
IMVHO, you're providing a great deal of your time for the price - 2 weeks, 2x/week, 1 hr/class - that's 4 hours of class time and doesn't cover your marketing/promotion, prep, clean-up, etc time.
Have you thought about offering an overview class - showing different types of soap using different methods and then offer the CP, HP, and other classes? Not trying to give you a new full-time job - just tossing out another option to extend your ideas.
Good luck, whatever you decide! Your students will be very fortunate!!
Namaste ~ Debra
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Aug 1 2004, 09:33 PM
|
|
hi
i have done classes in my home for a while.
i do /did only one on one.
never a group.
my kitchen is not designed for that sort of thing if i am to be fair to all concerned.
the pupil made the soap themselved...it was not just a demo
i did CP/HP/rebatch.
supplied lunch .
they took home 3 kg of soap with me supplying all the ingredients.
i forget at what price i started but i ended up at $300 for the time it takes.
for what they got i feel i was still undervalued. :-))
which may or may not be true LOL
i have ceased now despite a lot of inquirey as insurances issues concern me.
i dont sell ingredients usually but would sell to those clients ....same as Jim suggests
i loved it.
made heaps of new friends and wouldnt have missed it for the world.
most of the people who did the lessons havnt gone into business but neither are they the idle rich.
they were many and varied sorts of people and i never had a hassle with any people coming into my home and us not getting on either.....until right at the end i refused to do two lessons with 2 people i knew were going to be a problem for me
i offered a back up service with post lesson questions answered til whenever it was necessary to get the person on their feet and confident.
it is that latter part i feel is very essential and ethical.
but is perhaps depenant on the price they paid in the first instance.
anyway
it is fun if you have the securue feeling about all the issues that potentailly surround the classes.
i am a very confident soaper and i would respectfully suggest that only those who feel the same do lessons.
i did once make an error...cant recall now what.....but i was able to figure out the error before poured , save the soap, show the client how to trouble shoot and resue a batch and then we did it again the right way :-)
it was a good learning experience for both of us
phew
:oops:
good luck if you go ahead
diane
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
post Aug 7 2004, 09:10 AM
|
|
Thanks for the advice guys. Here's some more advice I received from a performer friend of mine, when making flyers:
Do 1/4 page or 1/2 page flyers, less likely to wind up in trash.
I have handed out more flyers. So far only one lady has called to sign up for sure. I'm hoping Ihear from more people. I also have the possibility though to teach classes at the community center here, 2 at least. Not sure if they'll be able to put me on fall roster or not. I can charge what I want because the community center would keep 50%. So that means, I would definitely have to up the price to at least $100.00. However, if I don't have to provide the supplies then that'll be a plus.
At this point, I need to up some income into the house until my dh gets some work or side jobs (people down here are kinda cheap, want cheap work done). So, I'm willing to work my ft job, do the classes at nite for the community centers, my own private classes (if any interest) and bump up some wholesale/retail sales. It took a while to sink in, nobody will take care of me or my problems better than me. So, I have to do what I can to get this off the ground. I'm DRIVEN now.
Oh and somebody suggested contacting the health food stores about possibly hosting a soapmaking class. So, I'll be contacting the stores and inquiring about that as well as the public library.
So, I will keep you guys updated.
xxx
|
|
|
|
|
字體：小 中 大
